Macbeth (2021)

Lesson 4
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ELA

Unit 15

10th Grade

Lesson 4 of 23

Objective


Characterize Lady Macbeth. Analyze the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: Macbeth by William Shakespeare  — Act 1, Scene 5

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What does the letter reveal about Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s relationship? How is this unique for the time?

Explain the quotation listed below.

“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t”

In your explanation be sure to:

  • Explain both Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s characters.
  • Explain the meaning of this phrase in the context of the play.

Key Questions


  • What is Lady Macbeth reading?
  • What does Lady Macbeth learn from it? 
  • What does it reveal about the relationship between Lady Macbeth and her husband?
  • What do you know of typical husband and wife relationships during this time? 
  • Lines 16–18: What does she fear? 
  • Lines 18–24: How does she develop argument? (repetition) 
  • What can we infer about her views of her husband, Macbeth?
  • Lines 23–28: What is she discussing? 
  • Why is the raven hoarse?
  • What is she asking for?
  • Why fatal entrance? 
  • What is she conjuring?
  • Why unsexed? Why replace milk with gall?
  • Why thick night? 
  • What does the does diction here reveal? (56–61)
  • What does Macbeth refer to her as the first time he speaks to her? Why is this significant? (70–84)
  • What is she implying with lines 71–72?
  • What does she instruct her husband to do? (73–75)
  • How is the symbolism of the serpent and the flower significant here?

Notes


  • This is the students’ first encounter with Lady Macbeth. The scene opens with her reading Macbeth’s letter. It is clear he tells her everything, which indicates that they have an equal relationship, unlike many marriages of the time, where the man has more power. Macbeth looks to her for advice, which shows he sees her as an equal.
  • She immediately conjures spirits to make her less feminine. Much of the diction points to removing her womanly qualities so she can steel herself to commit the murder. This lends itself to a conversation on gender stereotypes.
  • Assign Act 1.6 for homework.

Next

Analyze Macbeth’s internal conflict in his soliloquy and explain how Lady Macbeth ultimately influences his decision.

Lesson 5
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Lesson Map

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